The comments below reflect the personal experiences and opinions of readers and do not represent medical advice or the views of this website. The information shared has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease or health condition. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for medical concerns.
Saffron
Posted by Scienceview1 (Westmount, Quebec) on 03/04/2013
★★★★★
Yes, if you find high quality saffron from a trusted shop, it will do the job of delivering the best anti-oxidants and cell-protective constituents. The daily dose needed is 20mg everyday. You can use it as a tea or just add to your food. Other forms of saffron in pill or capsules are available in the market, but make sure of the quality of saffron.
Also make sure your diet includes other eye health igredients such as lutein from kale or spinach and vitamin C. Also, smoking increases risk of age-related macular degeneration. Reduce alcohol consmption, do exercise, and limit exposure to intense light or starring too long at computer screens. Also make sure your blood cholestrol is under control. Health dieat, exercising and no smoking are key for maintaining healty eyes.
Saffron
Posted by Scienceview1 (Westmount, Quebec, Canada) on 02/26/2013
★★★★★
Amazing story about saffron and its benefits for eyeight and general health. There is actually a product the combines saffron with benefits of the natural compound also found in red wine, resveratrol and carotenoids lutein and zeaxanthin.
Remember that by stabilizing the effect of saffron after longer term supplementation means that the potency of saffron stays the same and does not decline over long time consumption. In fact once patients stopped taking the saffron pill, the effects slowly faded away. Saffron is a protecting retina of the eye so you need it every day for eye health.
Avoid Turmeric
Posted by Om (Hope, Bc Canada) on 04/22/2015
Barbara --- who said? Best thing to google the properties and benefits of a thing about which you are not sure. There are many on EC visiting and asking questions, forgetting some answers are purely personal opinions.
So you would first enquire online, googling "turmeric" and learning it straight from research. In this case Ayurveda. That is doing a bit of home work that comes up with desired results.
All the best, Namaste, Om
Avoid Turmeric
Posted by Betty K. (Barrie, Ontario) on 11/29/2017
★★★★★
I am so shocked to see the reference to avoid taking Ibuprofen if you suffer from macular degeneration! Also the turmeric. I suffer from fibromyalgia and osteoarthritis, and my family doctor took me off Celebrex and put me on Advil (Ibuprofen) about 6 months ago. I have also been trying to include more turmeric in my diet to help with the inflammation in my body. Coincidentally, my vision has been deteriorating. I have wet mac. in one eye and dry in the other. I have noticed more deterioration in the wet eye (I've been taking the injections for six years). Can anyone suggest what would be the best painkiller to take? Thanks. BTW, I want to avoid opiods.
Supplement Cautions
Posted by Preston (Yarmouthport, Ma) on 08/25/2011
Please go to
www.macdegenresource.com
These people are from Boston and worked with "Retina Associates. " The best place in the world for ANY eye problems... This site is run by brilliant, retired opthamologists with many years experience. The site is information free. Dr. Wallace McMeel saved my sight.
Supplement Cautions
Posted by Gavin (Manganui, Northland, New Zealand) on 08/27/2011
This is a medical urban myth! Carotene in smokers and ex smokers causing cancer has been debunked.
Lutein
Posted by Pam E. (South-Western California) on 09/15/2022 175 posts
Most chickens are fed on grains (not their normal diet). Grains are high in omega-6 fats.... Range Free hens allowed to eat as much grass & insects as they want, get a diet rich in omega-3 fats.... The fats in eggs are the fats the hens ate who laid them!
Lutein
Posted by Kate (Raleigh, Nc) on 07/26/2017
Non-sense! Copper is needed and taking all the supplements individually is also ridiculous, especially these days. In 1992 an Immunologist/Microbiologist PhD who grew Healthy cells in a lab for a highly respected Lab where he also developed the assay for Epstein Bar testing which is still used and the Gold Standard in hospitals...happened to want to go on the side of prevention. Knowing that most multivitamins on the market were garbage and if given to the cells in his Lab...would die and put them out of business, he developed a line that changed many in the industry today. Why? Because they are Pharmaceutical Grade vs Food Grade. This means what's on the label has to be exactly what's in the pill where as food grade is like chocolate chip cookies....some have 10 chocolate chips in the cookie, others 12 and others possibly only 8. C___nt__m and others like it are marketing junk and a waste of money. Just search YouTube for the Vitamin Apple Test and see for yourself. One keeps the apple color white and some others turn the flesh of the apple black...hmmm? Many more great companies with quality, GMP standards now making supplements....thanks to this visionary Dr.
Supplements
Posted by Tom (Regina, Sk) on 09/23/2010
Lorraine:
Possibly meso-zeaxanthin is more what you want in an AMD supplement? From marigolds.
http://www.naturalnews.com/028566_blindness_marigolds.html
Quick search shows many brands now have from 3. 75 mg (seems most common) per pill to 10 mg meso- per pill. Effectiveness or not might depend on progression of the AMD, whether it's wet or dry, etc. Another EXTREMELY important thing you must note is that it took decades to show up, but it's here and causing intense grief and problems. What s it? It's all the fast food deep frying in omega-6 cooking oils (so called "healthy fats" all these decades) and the high temperatures of the oils causes formation of a very destructive compound called HNE.
http://www.living-a-healthy-lifestyle.com/health-terms.html
Age-Related Macular Degeneration was rare as late as 1980. And in recent decades there has been a 1000% increase! Dr. Paul Beaumont, one of the world's foremost food researchers, has found that people who eat higher amounts of vegetable oils (corn, soybean, safflower, etc. ) lose their vision 3. 8 times faster, and have twice the risk of developing macular degeneration. A compound known as HNE forms when vegetable oils are heated. HNE attacks the arteries, nerves, and eye tissue. It has been implicated in hardening of the arteries, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, liver disease, as well as ARM. Processed vegetable oils are dangerous to your health and should not be used at all. Cook with butter, lard, or coconut oil.
Supplements
Posted by Val (Former Cairns Resident, Vic. Au) on 09/23/2010
Hi Lorraine from Cairns, Some years ago I was diagnosed with a cataract in one eye and the retina starting to tear in the other. I went to the chemist on the corner of Toogood and Bruce Hwy. It's in that small complex with the Drs surgery. They used to have a range of herbal mixtures that they made up. I had their standard eye one with silica added. Plus I bought a fresh 100% blueberry juice (just from the suppermarket). I was told to eat 1 cup of blueberries a day and as you know the price of blueberries the next best thing was juice. I took 100mls mls a day, 5 days a week. Unfortunately I can't remember how long I took them for but it was some months. Shifted to Vic and new specialist says there is no damage to the retina and the cataract (which was advanced at the time for my age) is now at a state that is not abnormal for my age. The chemist used to have their own herbalist you could talk to and they would then make a mix up for you. Good Luck
Supplements
Posted by Pam E. (South-Western California) on 09/15/2022 175 posts
Not everyone will understand exactly what you mean by the vague term: 'rancid oils'. Please explain for those who don't ... like me. TY! (;
Spinach
Posted by Miles Odonnol (TAiWAN) on 10/20/2022
★★★★★
I'm in a macular degeneration group on FB. One person said they cured early mackie D by eating spinach daily for a month.
Aloe Vera
Posted by Marta (Portugal) on 06/09/2021
That is very interesting....when you say 'squeeze' do you mean from the white gel part of the plant, or does your father use the yellow liquid as well? Aloe Vera is everywhere in Portugal, and I have a plant sitting outside so would really like to try this. Would be great if it worked on me!!! Thank you
DMSO
Posted by Pam E. (South-Western California) on 09/15/2022 175 posts
I tried to look it up & found nothing about it being used for M.D. itself ... although there is info about using it for pruritis, which says in part:
"...Severe and therapy-resistant pruritus is the most prominent feature of macular (MA) and lichen (LA) amyloidosis that leads to further amyloid deposition by recurrent frictional trauma to the epidermis [skin]. Of the various therapeutic modalities with variable success, the most encouraging and beneficial effect has been observed with topical dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) therapy...."
"Intermittent use of topical dimethyl sulfoxide in macular and papular amyloidosis" https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9888342/ PubMed
If you can find a link to credible info regarding the use of DMSO for M.D., please share!
DMSO
Posted by Hollyhock (America ) on 02/13/2023
Be very careful, I use 50/50 dmso/cs on my back and it burns! I would think it would burn your eye badly!
Saffron
Posted by Yasmine (Lebanon) on 03/19/2025
Actually, sunlight is extremely important to the eyes!! Sunglasses should not be worn except when driving IF necessary.
Avoid Turmeric
Posted by Pam E. (South-Western California) on 09/15/2022 175 posts
The EC article on Turmeric says that raw is more potent than dry, so one should use less of the former. Later, it gives this information:
"For some people, turmeric can cause side effects, especially in large quantities. Side effects include nausea, gall bladder pain, stomach pain, heartburn, dizziness and constipation. Turmeric may also lower blood pressure and increase bleeding."
https://www.earthclinic.com/remedies/turmeric.html
Avoid Turmeric
Posted by Janet (In) on 11/09/2017
Avoid Turmeric
Posted by Teresa (CO) on 06/09/2021
★★★★★
Yes, I put Mom on 1000 gr of Turmeric for her Lupus/Arthritis pain she was 93, and it messed w her blood as she is a Bleeder. It says that on side effects. I am glad it turned out ok. I will say my dental tech told me she put ice on her hands and feet between clients for RH pain, and started taking 1,000 MSM and 1,000 Turmeric a day and no pain for 4 mo when I saw her.
Supplement Cautions
Posted by Daisy (Sf, Ca) on 08/26/2011
Please explain your comments: "cancer patients should not take Vitamin E; smokers/ex-smokers should not take beta-carotene. " Your other statement should be changed to: nor should anyone taking vitamin E need blood thinner medication. Thank you.
Supplement Cautions
Posted by Pam E. (Southern California) on 01/18/2021 175 posts
Lutein
Posted by Ariel Gail (Wa State) on 05/05/2015
Eggs can contribute good amounts of Lutein if and only if they are truly "free-range" which is the only type we should be eating anyway because this supplies the correct type of fat (Omega 3's) also. Otherwise, egg consumption just adds to our over-consumption of the wrong type of fats, the major contributor to all diseases and also displaces the correct fat consumption. So, to seek out and only buy eggs from your neighbor who has chickens running around, or the expensive variety at the store, is a good plan if you can't live without eggs. Keep in mind that even this healthy type of egg offers a fraction of the lutein and astazanthin we need, so putting effort into figuring out how you can consume a few leaves of Kale every day would give a far greater ROI - Return on Investment.
Supplements
Posted by Sarah (Los Angeles, Ca ) on 01/31/2016
Can you be more specific about "highest dosage available" that u gave for macular degeneration...? I want to start w my mom, but no idea what dose to start with.
Supplements
Posted by Art (California) on 09/21/2016
Vitamin C
Posted by Charlene (Wellington, Fl) on 01/12/2026
Rob, regarding your 87 year old Uncle taking 2 grams of Nutricost ascorbic acid 3x a day in water .. did he have any stomach upset from the acid? I have a sensitive stomach and did he have wet or dry MD? Thank you
Lutein
Posted by Uncertain (LA) on 04/07/2022
Thank you Art!!! You are the best.
DMSO
Posted by Tessa (British Columbia) on 01/03/2025
Saffron
Posted by Scienceview1 (Westmount, Quebec, Canada) on 03/06/2013
Hi Carol, The daily dose needed is 20mg of high quality saffron- only the red part of stigmas. There has been actually a product in the market (UK and now Canada) that has saffron and nine other ingredients for eye health. Remember that healthy life-style for eye health includes exercise, no smoking, protecting against exposure to intense light (from computer screens, sunlight etc) are the key. Again, taking daily green leafy vegetables (spinach, kale etc) are very important. Control blood pressure and cholesterol levels and nourish your eyes with eye health nutrients.
Saffron
Posted by April (Cypress, TX) on 01/08/2026
Yes the eyes have photoreceptors. It is very important. That eyes are exposed to sunlight throughout the day so they get all the different frequencies.
Avoid Turmeric
Posted by Barbara (Sc) on 04/22/2015
I have Wet Macular Degeneration. The opthomologist has seen me for 24 months. I have been "doctoring" myself with my homemade Colloidal Silver drops in my eyes as well as vitamins, minerals, diet and exercise, instead of getting the injections. In 24 months I have only had 5 injections. My question is, why is Turmeric not good for the eyes?
Avoid Turmeric
Posted by Rsw (Oh) on 11/29/2017
Hi Betty,
May I ask how many mg/day of turmeric/curcumin you were taking when the macular degeneration seemed to worsen? It would also be helpful if the original poster would tell us how much she was taking when this developed, especially for those with a family history of the disease.
On a different note, I just read in this month's Life Extension magazine, that they are seeing a reduction in inflammation and also how the brain perceives pain by using two supplements that supposedly do not have the side effects of other NSAIDS. “The first compound PEA (palmitoylethanol-amide), is a fatty acid produced by the body to reduce inflammation and works at the site of tenderness to turn off the pain signal. The second, honokiol, extracted from the Magnolia tree, operates in the central nervous system to affect how our brains perceive pain.” Combined, these two supplements are showing promise as safe and effective pain relievers. This may give you an avenue to explore. They appear to be quite effective in the trials, so far, but I would do further research to make a sound decision. Best wishes.
Supplement Cautions
Posted by Tammy (WI) on 06/12/2021
Smokers/ex-smokers should not take lab-created/synthetic Vitamin A. Actually, no one should. All vitamins should be natural and whole foods, not synthetic, fake ones. Synthetic Vitamin A can cause lung cancer in ex-smokers/smoke
Lutein
Posted by Bryce (Denver) on 05/08/2017
Heather,
You may think twice about taking a copper supplement. Some people can be copper toxic, especially if you have been exposed to heavy metals in the past (esp amalgam fillings). Copper can mimic the oxidative stress that mercury or other heavy metals can induce.
Good advice with supplements is to take each one individually and look at your reaction. Multi-vitamins can be a mix of bad reactions with good, but you'd never know what causes what.
Supplements
Posted by Fernando (Hamilton, Canada) on 09/29/2008
Response to Serge:
08/26/2008: Serge from Chateauguay, Canada replies: "I just found a product that contains all of those supplements in one bottle except for the Zeaxanthin. It's from "NOW Foods" and it's called "Eye Support"."
Yes I know, but remember they will not be HIGH doses. It is impossible to have high doses with one pill. Unless the container says to take 5 a day, then maybe, look into it.
Supplements
Posted by Marcie (IL) on 04/03/2022
Just be careful of the ingredients. Many supplement companies use corn derived GMO corn fillers. So if you see magnesium stearate or microcrystalline cellulose or titanium dioxide or a rancid oil, do not buy it.
Supplements
Posted by Mary Lou (KY) on 08/21/2024
2024 I can't find Now Foods - Eye Support. They have an Occu Support. 2 different kinds with the same name.
The ingredient mg are different.
The one that says "Clinical Strength" on the front has Zeaxanthin in it.
I'm going to try it.
Thank you all. And Thank you EarthClinic.
Supplements
Posted by Charlene (Wellington FL) on 12/07/2025
Regarding the supplements you listed for your grandmother's macular degeneration
lutin, Zeaxanthin, selenium, Vitamin C, Betacarotene, zinc and Vitamin E you stated highest dosage. Can you give the dosages your grandmother took as I am almost the same age and was just diagnosed 6 months ago with dry MD. I was told by the eye specialist to take AREDS 2 by PreserVision. I have been taking them but the supplements you mentioned are in very low doses and the betacarotene and selenium are not even in it. I would be so grateful for that information. Thank you
Vitamin C
Posted by luke (luke) on 01/14/2026
★★★★★
Hi,
When did he take the 2 gram doses of vitamin C in relation to meals? 30 minutes before meals on empty stomach or with meals or right after meals or 2 hours after meals?
Or other times?
Thank you
Vitamin C
Posted by Stephanie (NJ) on 01/17/2026
Dear Rob, would Now brand or Nutricost brand Sodium Ascorbate, work the same and in the same dosage as Nutricost Ascorbic Acid (2 grams, 3x/day, in water, between meals)?
I used to take ascorbic acid, but was told, and I don't remember by who, that sodium ascorbate was easier on Colitis, and so I switched to Sodium ascorbate, Now brand. I take 1/2 tsp a day in water, but am still losing my eyesight ( I know its a small amount of sodium ascorbate). The Sodium ascorbate doesn't hurt my colitis. (maybe it was on one of Ted's posts, to use sodium ascorbate, I am not sure). I would like to try what worked for your family, because I want to keep my eyesight, But can it be sodium ascorbate? Which is best for eyesight, and colitis, and kidneys? thank you very much!
MSM Drops
Posted by sharon (CA) on 06/03/2025
Do you put the drops in your eye or take them orally?? I'm glad this worked for you and am anxious to try it. Thanks!
Sharon Perry
Lutein
Posted by EB (FL) on 09/23/2023
My observation: Be careful with Castor Oil. I tried it in my ears and it took months to get it out. On one's tummy easier to clean. But on eye lids I believe it would aggravate the thin eye-lid skin in trying to remove it in the morning. Trying Cocmut Oil seems safer to me.
Spinach
Posted by Lisa vant Wout (Los Angeles) on 05/16/2026 40 posts
Be careful with spinach for AMD. If people have unknown calcium stones in their kidneys or bladder, too much spinach can cause a problem. They are high in oxalates.
Aloe Vera
Posted by jonathan (MA) on 06/09/2021 4 posts
How does one apply the Aloe Vera to the eye?
DMSO
Posted by Katherine (Vacaville CA) on 02/12/2023
I have intermediate Macular Degeneration. I read here to use a 50% solution of DMSO for MD eye drops. How many drops of DMSO to how many drops of distilled water will make a 50% solution of DMSO?
DMSO
Posted by Matthew (Pennsylvania) on 12/08/2025
I just got a book "healing with DMSO" by Amandha Vollmer. She indicates 20% or 30%. I am just starting to research this so I have no experience to share. At a surface level 50% seams way too strong. Look for more guidance.
Saffron
Posted by Hippiehugger (San Diego, Ca, Usa) on 02/19/2013
Avoid Turmeric
Posted by Pam E. (South-Western California) on 09/15/2022 175 posts
Colloidal Silver is for killing / preventing infections.
That is not the cause of Macular Degeneration.
So, I think it can only be supportive, at best.
Lutein
Posted by Heather N (Edson, Ab, Canada) on 07/27/2011
Thanks Jean for your input. I am mildly allergic to eggs and eat them sparingly. Perhaps I should try just lutein and then add other ingredients.
Supplements
Posted by Lana (Texarkana, AR) on 05/20/2008
MMS, wondering about it...
Supplements
Posted by Renee (Torrance, CA) on 06/20/2009
My 93 year old mother has been doctoring for years with macular degeneration. She has tried all of the supplements for macular and nothing has helped. She has been to specialists and they say nothing can be done. She is currently taking vitamins from our chiropractor. These are wonderful vitamins that are more like food, but they don't equate to dosages of regular vitamins.
I know we aren't allowed to recommended or prescribe, but will you list the dosages that your grandmother is taking so that we can compare those to what our loved ones are currently taking?
It's not illegal to say something like, "My grandmother is currently taking....." and then list the products and their dosages! (This site doesn't allow brand names and websites to be mentioned, but we don't need them.]
Would be ever so greatful.
God bless.
Supplements
Posted by Azuka (Michigan) on 10/02/2015
Regarding finding Lutein and Zeaxthanine supplements, my sister-in-law, my friend Kathy, my wife, and myself all take a supplement purchased at a well known food club store that has 25mg of Lutein and 5mg of ZEaxthanine. My sister-in-law and Kathy have both had impressive improvements in their vision. Not so much for my wife though. I have only just been diagnosed with AMD, so who knows whether it has helped me or not?
Supplements
Posted by Tony46 (Toronto, Canada) on 11/03/2016
I checked the Now Foods, I found they do have Eye Support with Zeaxanthin now.
Lutein
Posted by Uncertain (LA) on 04/06/2022
Gloria, when you and your mother's eyes improved, did the lutein have any effect on moisture in your eyes? I am looking for something to improve the dryness I am experiencing.
Aloe Vera
Posted by Naz (Edmonton Alberta) on 06/09/2021
Thank you for this invaluable information.
Aloe Vera
Posted by Cory (Sacramento CA ) on 09/03/2022
Thank you for sharing. You gave me hope and ideas.
DMSO
Posted by Angela (Memphis TN) on 01/02/2025
All the link shows is a bottle of DMSO. Nothing else.
Saffron
Posted by Carol (San Francisco, Ca.) on 02/27/2013
Thanks for this information. Can Saffron be purchased in a Health Food Store? And how much should be taken... more or less the suggested amount?
Saffron
Posted by Scienceview1 (Montreal, Quebec, Canada) on 03/10/2013
Hello, Lutein and zeaxanthin are macular pigments, naturally concentrated in macula of the eye. Our body cannot synthesize these important compounds so we need to take them via foods (green leafy vegetables such as spinach or kale) or take supplements that have lutein/zeaxanthin. The product mentioned above also has macular pigments.
Protect your eyes from sunlight by wearing proper sunglasses that have anti-UV coating.
Saffron
Posted by Nezhad (Montreal, CA) on 04/27/2014
As for a high quality saffron product for macular degeneration look for one made with saffron stigma powder, the same quantity used in in Italian study. Saffron as a supplement was approved by Health Canada to help maintain eyesight in AMD.
Avoid Turmeric
Posted by angelica (usa) on 02/12/2021
Hi. Do you mind telling me if the Colloidal Silver is helping?
Supplement Cautions
Posted by Mona (Calgary, Alberta, Canada) on 08/25/2011
WARNING!
Re Fernando from Hamilton blog 0l/23/2008: I wish to add a few cautions re the list of supplements for macular degeneration and caution people with certain health problems to always do further research and also seek advice of a naturopathic doctor prior to taking supplements - cancer patients should not take Vitamin E; smokers/ex-smokers should not take beta-carotene; nor should anyone on blood thinner medication be taking vitamin E.
Mona
Lutein
Posted by Heather N (Edson, Ab, Canada) on 07/25/2011
Hi there, I was diagnosed with mild Macular degeneration and prescibed a supplement with vit A, C, E, zinc, copperlutein, Zeaxanthine. I developed a huge allergic rash after several days and think perhaps it's the lutein from marigolds. Am also a type 2 diabetic.
Anyone have suggestions as to another source of lutein 10mg a day from another source. All supplements I have seen are from the marigold source.
Supplements
Posted by Mary (Saratoga Springs, NY/USA) on 03/10/2009
Macular Degeneration Supplements: In regards to Fernando from Hamilton, Ontario Canada, he was giving his grandmother high dowes of vitamins for her macular degeneration, but what is "high doses" for each one? I want to get my mother started on this but need to know the dosage of each vitamin.
Thank you
Mary Ojeda
Supplements
Posted by Andrea (Ontario, Canada) on 03/10/2009
Would this also help someone with Glaucoma?
Supplements
Posted by Lorraine (Cairns, Queensland, Australia) on 09/22/2010
I love this site and am so pleased it is here for us. I have Macular Degeneration and am looking for a product that has Lutien and Zeaxanthin but cannot find one anywhere. Ferando from Canada may be able to help. I am desperate as my mother went blind with this same problem.
Supplements
Posted by Lorraine (Cairns, Qld, Australia) on 09/24/2010
Thanks Val, I will check it out.
Supplements
Posted by Cheryl (Carrollton Ga) on 09/21/2016
What do you mean by the highest doses for macular degeneration? Lutein Selenium Beta carotene Zinc Vit E
Supplements
Posted by Greta (Kamloops BC) on 04/30/2024
Praise God!! I'm going to do the same.
